Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Both the egg donor and the surrogate mother will undergo estrogen replacement therapy once menstruation begins. The egg donor will be given injectable hormones to stimulate the ovaries in order to produce more than one mature egg during ovulation. Once the egg follicles have reached a certain size, the egg donor will be given an HCG shot to aid egg maturation. After 36 hours, the eggs will be retrieved and fertilized.

Gestational Surrogacy Process: Pregnancy

Once the fertilized eggs or embryos reach a certain stage (usually either two or five days old), they will be inserted into the surrogate mother’s uterus. This is performed using a syringe with a thin catheter that is inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity.

In some cases, an ultrasound will be used to assist implantation. An HCG test will be performed to assess pregnancy hormone levels.

If a pregnancy has occurred, an ultrasound will be performed at approximately 6.5 weeks to check for a heartbeat. Another ultrasound will be performed at 12 weeks to ensure proper growth before the surrogate mother may be recommended for regular prenatal care by an obstetrician/gynecologist or other prenatal care practitioner.